Buy Pixel 3 From Google Directly If You Don’t Want Verizon to Complicate Your Life
The new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones have been released this week, but there are only a few ways to buy them. While many users likely pre-ordered from Google or Verizon, Best Buy and Target are two other well-known retailers currently selling smartphones.
Since Verizon is the exclusive carrier, that means buying a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL from someone other than Google will give you a version of the Verizon device. And that initially made life difficult for non-Verizon customers, as any models purchased from Verizon, Best Buy, or Target were initially tied to the Verizon network. This is changing now, but it is unclear for how long.
Operator exclusivity is annoying
Verizon Pixel phones locked out of the box appear to go against Google’s philosophy behind its Pixel phones, but that’s not an unprecedented precedent. In fact, this practice applies to all “unlocked” smartphones sold by Verizon.
Verizon claims to have implemented this policy to prevent resellers from stealing or scalping their phones, according to a statement to The Verge . When Pixels launched yesterday, as a number of reports indicate, Verizon automatically unlocked any smartphone somewhat quickly, but only if you inserted a Verizon SIM. Otherwise, you would have to wait all night , and possibly up to 24 hours, for Verizon to automatically unlock your new Pixel smartphone. You will then be able to use it with any supported carrier.
Now it seems that Verizon will automatically unlock all Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices. Verizon’s statement on this matter, provided by Android Police , doesn’t help much to reduce confusion or make us feel like it’s a permanent solution:
“At launch, there was an update to automatically unlock at night on the Pixel 3s, which also hit phones sold at Best Buy stores. We have temporarily removed it from the Pixel 3 and are evaluating where it will be implemented in the future.
As you remember, earlier this year we started blocking phones until they were initially activated on the Verizon network to prevent theft and protect employees. ”
Our advice? If Verizon, Best Buy, or Target aren’t offering a great deal for the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL, or you don’t have incredible patience, just order the phonedirectly from Google . It will always be delivered unlocked and you can use it immediately with your carrier of choice.
We can appreciate Verizon’s commitment to preventing theft or scalping, but we don’t like it when Verizon hangs a SIM card lock over users’ heads, given how annoying it is to practice when all you want to do is play with your new device.